Become an NHS Cadet - it's a great addition to a young person’s CV

Waterhead Academy has become one of the first secondary schools in the United Kingdom to deliver the St Johns Ambulance; NHS Cadet Programme.

Thirty-five students are currently enrolled on the course and are participating in the programme as part of the enrichment curriculum that takes place on a fortnightly basis.

The Academy reached out to St John Ambulance to establish the partnership, and were delighted when the organisation agreed to facilitate their request.

The successful partnership has enabled Waterhead Academy to further enhance their extensive careers programme, and also facilitate a range of opportunities for students to gain experience and understanding in relation to range of NHS career pathways.

Becoming an NHS Cadet is a great addition to a young person’s CV and will also help them to stand out in future college, university, volunteering or job applications.

The programme will help cadets to improve their confidence and develop sought after employability skills such as resilience, problem solving and teamwork.

NHS Cadets also have access to other opportunities for personal development inclusive of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), and the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (IDEA).

Whilst gaining experience and learning new skills, students will build their awareness of volunteering in the NHS and also contribute to supporting their community.

On completing the pathway, all cadets will receive an exclusive NHS Cadets certificate and pin badge that can be shared with future post 16 providers and employers.

Neil Wilson; Assistant Principal for Personal Development at Waterhead Academy, said: “To become one of the first secondary schools in the United Kingdom to deliver the St Johns Ambulance; NHS Cadets programme is a fantastic privilege for the Academy and an excellent opportunity for our students.

“Whilst undertaking the qualification, our Cadets will also benefit from a range of presentations and practical sessions delivered by health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, paramedics and associated specialists within their field. 

“The qualification will further equip our students with a range of skills and attributes to enable them to pursue health related post-16 education and training courses as well as providing them with the most valuable life skill of all; the required knowledge to potentially save an individual’s life.”

The Waterhead Academy students are thoroughly engaged with the NHS Cadet course and this is highlighted through the following comments from three year 9 students who are currently enrolled on the course; Muntaha, Amezhi and Kai.

Muntaha, a Year 9 Student, said: “I wanted to be an NHS Cadet because the skills I am learning throughout the course help to prepare me for my future career.

"I have enjoyed the practical first aid sessions that focussed upon choking, CPR, shock and how to use a defibrillator.”

Amezhi added: “The NHS Cadet course provides young people with the opportunity to learn new skills. The First Aid skills that I am learning throughout the course will enable me to help people should they encounter a medical emergency.”

Kai said: “When I am older I am considering pursuing a career in the NHS and the Cadet course is providing myself with valuable skills linked to this career pathway. Also, the first aid skills that I have learnt throughout the course have provided me with confidence to help somebody if they encounter a medical emergency.”

For further information about the NHS Cadets programme, click here

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